Page 77 of Dancing with the Devil

“I know how to follow instructions,sir,” I murmured, and he rubbed his tongue on the inside of his cheek. “I need a drink,” I said, walking toward a waiter. I spotted Cesar to my right, and he gave me a comforting nod. I grabbed a flute of champagne, taking a sip.

Antonio immediately appeared next to me and put his arm out. I hooked my arm with his, and he led me further into the building. “You look beautiful,tesoro,” he complimented, and I refrained from scoffing.

“Really?” I faked a gasp. “And here I thought all these men in here were gawking at me because I had something on my face,” I sarcastically shot back, and our walking came to a halt.

He only pinned me with a look, and I chuckled.

“Thank you,” I said, standing in front of him. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how good you look tonight,” I said, running my hands down the front of his suit jacket. “Always so dashing,” I whispered up at him, and his tongue swiped across his bottom lip.

His eyes were glistening in mischief, and I could already tell what was running through his mind. “Stop fantasizing about what’s under this dress and tell me why I’m here,” I said, and he finished the last bit of his drink, handing his empty glass to a passing waiter. I did the same with my empty glass.

My breath hitched as he gently gripped my waist, pulling me closer. He lifted his hand, gently brushing the back of his fingers down my cheek.

“Do you trust me,tesoro?” he asked, and I stared up at him in awareness. I slightly parted my lips and smiled.

“Not one bit, De Luca,” I teased, and his grip on my waist tightened. “I’m kidding,” I shook my head. “I thought we’ve been over this already,” I said, turning my head as I grabbed a flute of champagne from the passing waiter. “You’re the only man Idotrust,” I said, sipping half of my drink, and he gave me a single nod.

“You ready?”

My grip on the glass tightened, and my free hand came up as my fingers curled into a fist in front of my face.Samantha.

I swiftly turned around to find her staring back at me in shock. “You’re still with her…” Samantha forced through her teeth with a smile. “Amazing,” she sarcastically said, and I shook my head at her.

“Judy Blume,” I mocked, and I could see the wheels in her head turning.

Antonio lowered his lips to my ear from behind as he snaked his arms around my waist. “I need to go.”Again?“Stay with Cesar,” he said before kissing my temple.

He left with Samantha, and I turned around, watching them walk away as they conversed. Cesar instantly appeared at my side and put his arm out for me. “This way, Miss Nirah,” he said as I hooked my arm with his, looking at him in confusion.

“But he went that way,” I softly said, and Cesar put his other arm out in front of him.

“This way,” he repeated himself.

I followed him, and we walked toward a huge staircase. I lifted my dress as we ascended.

“Where did he go?” I whispered to Cesar, but he stayed silent. “Well then, where are we going?” I whispered, but there was no answer.

“You look beautiful, Miss Nirah,” was all he said as we reached the top of the stairs. I softly groaned.

“Thank you,” I mumbled, and he smiled. We stood on the first floor.

Up here were much fewer people than downstairs. Women with partners or with bodyguards. There were two men at a closed-off booth. I squinted my eyes as they stood up with smiles while speaking to another man.The twins.Cesar led me to the edge of the railing. It seemed as though this floor was built around a huge… boxing ring?

I stared down at the ground floor, and there were people gathered around the railings of both floors. My head snapped to Cesar with wide eyes, but he kept his eyes on the ring.There is no fucking way.It is not what I am thinking, it cannot be. “You want to explain?” I asked Cesar and he slowly turned his head toward me.

“I can’t, Miss Nirah.”

A familiar voice spoke from behind. “Nirah.” I turned my head.Matteo. “You look ravishing,” he smiled and I returned it.

“Thank you.”

And once again, Marcus was shamelessly checking me out. Matteo put both hands in his pockets as he stepped closer to me. He slightly tilted his head to the side as he studied my face. “I guess Antonio is full of surprises, huh?” he smiled.

“You could say that,” I nodded and Marcus chuckled.

“Don’t worrysweet thing,” he grinned and stopped next to his brother. “There won’t be any surprises with us,” he winked and I could almost thrill out of disgust. I looked up at Matteo and he gave me a single nod in confirmation.

“Everything okay?”